After leading several mega-hit franchises such as Mega Man, Onimusha, and Dead Rising, Inafune formed comcept, Inc. in 2010. Since comcept’s first release in 2016, Mighty No. 9, they have worked on many unique “concepts” finding success worldwide. In 2017, he assumed the post of CCO at LEVEL5 comcept under Level-5, where he continues to lead development and business operations.
—Keiji Inafune oversees Gunvolt 3 development.
■ Introducing Azure Striker Gunvolt 3
At the online event New Games+ Expo on March 31, Inti Creates proudly revealed that the highly anticipated next installment in the Gunvolt franchise, Azure Striker Gunvolt 3, will release on July 28, 2022. Gunvolt 3 will hit the Nintendo Switch platform as a downloadable title for USD $29.99, with a physical version planned for release in collaboration with Limited Run Games.
About the Game
The Gunvolt series began in 2014 with the digital-exclusive 3DS game Azure Striker Gunvolt. In 2016, Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 continued the story of hero Gunvolt alongside his rival Copen. And now, in 2022, Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 finally picks up where 2 left off as an official sequel. New protagonist Kirin fights along side Gunvolt, allowing players to switch characters on the fly, adding a new element to the series’ high-speed 2D action gameplay. Familiar faces will return as “Image Pulses,” a new system that allows players to use characters from Gunvolt’s past in combat with over 150 varieties available! Thanks to the cooperation of Keiji Inafune (LEVEL5 comcept CCO), series executive producer / action supervisor, Inti Creates has evolved Gunvolt 3‘s action to exceed the expectations of modern players on the Nintendo Switch platform. Players will be blown away by the speedy and precise action on display in Azure Striker Gunvolt 3!
New star Kirin is a skilled with a blade, focusing on quick sword fighting and throwing enchanted talismans to weaken enemies. She can close any gap and destroy foes instantly with her powerful “Arc Chain” ability, the ultimate combination of mobility with a satisfying finishing blow.
Gunvolt’s classic gameplay returns as you tag enemies with darts to lock-on for powerful electric attacks. But that’s not all; Gunvolt also brings new show-stopping Voltaic Arts! Rip through enemies with his “Spark Dash” or use his “Lightning Assault” to instantly warp with a lightning strike—and more.
Switch between both characters as you play to experience the exhilarating 2D action your own way. And if Kirin happens to run out of health, Gunvolt will rampage out of control, bringing cathartic destruction even in defeat!
(2) New songs from “The Muse” Lumen heat up the battle!
Put on a show with your gameplay to earn “Kudos” points and the virtual pop idol Lumen will start a performance of her own! Gunvolt’s own “Muse” will appear and sing for Kirin and Gunvolt, rousing their fighting spirits while replacing the stage track with a vocal pop song!
Seven brand new songs are included alongside a large selection of classic songs from the series.
(3) Kirin and Gunvolt’s team-up creates a new power—“Image Pulse”!
Collect enough “Image Chips” to create “Image Pulses” and give form to Gunvolt’s memories.
Image Pulses allow you to summon comrades and rivals from Gunvolt’s past to attack, grant abilities, and more.
Over 150 different Pulses exist to be collected, giving players exciting rewards for taking on and replaying Gunvolt 3’s challenges.
(4) The thrilling near-future dystopian story plays out in real-time with “Story Mode+”!
As the world’s only Adept with the power to seal others’ Septimas, Kirin dispatches on a mission from her organization, Shadow Yakumo, to deal with the one-and-only Gunvolt. The Adept once known as the Azure Striker, Gunvolt has transformed into a “Primal Dragon” and been sealed behind 1,000 sacred swords. As the story progresses, more and more fascinating characters take the stage, delivering fully-voiced dialogue without stopping the high-paced action thanks to the Story Mode+ system. Characters will talk and banter during gameplay, allowing their personalities to shine and the story to develop without diluting the pure action gameplay.
—Yu Sasahara voices Kirin.
—Kaito Ishikawa voices Gunvolt.
—Megu Sakuragawa voices Lumen.
■ Story Introduction
In the near-future, humanity awoke to a new power known as “Septima.” Humans with this power became known as “Adepts,” and steadily increased in number as new Adepts were born. An organization of these Adepts, “Eden,” attempted to secure their supremacy over the world, only to have their ambitions ended at the hands of Gunvolt. However, at the end of the countless battles, Gunvolt found himself unwillingly evolved to a new power beyond Septimas.
Shadow Yakumo, a secretive sister organization of the Sumeragi Group, eventually caught wind of the birth of this next level power. Shadow Yakumo then ordered their battle priestess Kirin to stop Gunvolt’s awakening by sealing him with her Septima, Radiant Fetters.
“…You’ll be taking full responsibility for what’s about to occur.”
■ Character Introductions
Kirin (voiced by Yu Sasahara in Japanese)
“Battle Priestess of Shadow Yakumo—coming through!”
Kirin possesses the only known Septima capable of sealing the powers of other Adepts, known as “Radiant Fetters.” She belongs to Shadow Yakumo, a secretive organization with a mission to watch over the Sumeragi Group. When they discover that Sumeragi is amassing an enormous amount of “Binding Blades,” they send Kirin to investigate. Kirin fights using her hidden katana in combination with throwing talismans imbued with her Septimal power. After meeting Gunvolt, she can borrow his power to perform the “Arc Chain,” a deadly attack that lets her move at lightning speed to cut down her enemies.
Gunvolt (voiced by Kaito Ishikawa in Japanese)
“Oversurge, Azure Striker! My lightning will pierce the fog and send these memories back into the depths where they belong!”
Gunvolt has been sealed behind 1,000 Binding Blades ever since transforming into a “Primal Dragon.” The eternally young man was once known as the Azure Striker. He wields a special dart gun that allows him to lock onto enemies with precise electric attacks, all while using powerful “Voltaic Arts” to demolish his enemies. After his long battles with the Adept supremacist group “Eden,” Gunvolt found himself unwillingly awakened to a new power beyond Septimas.
Lumen (voiced by Megu Sakuragawa in Japanese)
“A ‘cute mascot’? I’m not just a pretty face, you know?”
An illusion of Lumen, a young woman who was once inseparable from Gunvolt, has been given physical form. Lumen uses the power of her song to support Kirin and Gunvolt in battle, and with the power of her Anthem, she can awaken Gunvolt’s powers should Kirin be defeated.
■ Product Overview
Title:Azure Striker Gunvolt 3
Platform: Switch
Genre: Action
Rating: Pending
Players: 1
Release Date: July 28, 2022
Digital Version Price: USD $29.99
Watch a new trailer below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.
